When it comes to GoPro SD cards, most people wonder whether they should be formatted as FAT32 or NTFS. The file system you use can impact performance and compatibility, so it’s an important decision. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about GoPro SD card file systems.
Quick Answer
GoPro SD cards should be formatted as FAT32. This file system is recommended by GoPro and offers the best performance and compatibility with GoPro cameras.
What is FAT32?
FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32) is an older file system that has been around since the days of Windows 95. It uses 32-bit addressing, allowing it to support drives up to 2TB in size.
Here are some key characteristics of FAT32:
- Compatible with all versions of Windows, Mac OS, Linux, game consoles, and other devices
- Supported by all GoPro cameras
- Allows files up to 4GB in size
- Easy to format and repair
- Lower overhead than NTFS, so faster read/write speeds
The wide compatibility of FAT32 across devices and operating systems makes it a good choice for external removable media like GoPro SD cards. You can pop the card into a GoPro, Windows PC, Mac, or other device and it will work seamlessly.
What is NTFS?
NTFS (New Technology File System) is a newer file system introduced by Microsoft with Windows NT in 1993. It was designed to replace FAT32 with improved performance, security, and disk space utilization features.
Here are some key NTFS characteristics:
- Introduced by Microsoft with Windows NT
- Supported by all modern Windows versions
- Allows much larger partition sizes – up to 9.4 zettabytes
- Supports file sizes over 4GB
- Higher overhead than FAT32, so slower write/read times
- Advanced security features like permissions and encryption
- More resilient to corruption
NTFS is ideal for Windows system drives and partitions since it is the native Windows file system. But its limited compatibility can make it less suitable for external removable media.
Are GoPro SD Cards FAT32 or NTFS?
GoPro SD cards should be formatted as FAT32 for maximum performance and compatibility with GoPro cameras and accessories.
Here are some key reasons why FAT32 is the best file system for GoPro SD cards:
- FAT32 is the GoPro-recommended file system
- Supported by all GoPro camera models
- Allows files sizes up to 4GB, sufficient for GoPro video files
- Faster read/write speeds result in better video recording performance
- Wide compatibility across devices – can insert card from GoPro into computer, TV, etc
- Easy to format in camera or on computer
By contrast, NTFS has some limitations that make it unsuitable for GoPro SD cards:
- Not supported by GoPro cameras – will not recognize NTFS cards
- Slower read/write speeds due to higher overhead
- Limited compatibility – may not work on Mac, TVs, etc
- Advanced features like permissions not needed for GoPro use
While NTFS works well for storage on Windows PCs, FAT32 is the clear winner for use with GoPro cameras and accessories.
How to Format a GoPro SD Card to FAT32
Formatting a GoPro SD card to FAT32 is easy and can be done right from your GoPro camera. Here are the steps:
- Insert the SD card into your GoPro camera
- Swipe down to access the Settings menu
- Select “Format SD Card”
- Choose FAT32 when prompted for file system
- Allow the formatting process to complete
That’s all there is to it! Your GoPro will automatically optimize the FAT32 file system for best performance.
You can also format to FAT32 from a computer. On Windows, use the built-in format tool and select FAT32 as the file system. On Mac, use Disk Utility to reformat as FAT32.
When to Reformat SD Card to FAT32
There are a few instances where you may want to reformat your GoPro SD card back to FAT32:
- Camera prompts to reformat – this can indicate corruption
- Switching file systems – from NTFS back to FAT32
- Resolving performance issues or glitches
- Before using the card in a new camera or device
As a precaution, it’s also a good idea to reformat to FAT32 if the card has been used in devices besides your GoPro that may have altered the file system.
Reformatting the card erases all content, so be sure to offload photos and videos first.
Tips for Managing GoPro SD Cards
To get the best performance and life from your GoPro SD cards, keep these tips in mind:
- Always format cards in the camera, not the computer
- Stick with name brands like SanDisk for reliability
- Use UHS-I or UHS-II speed rated cards for 4K or high FPS video
- Don’t exceed card storage limits – use 64GB to 512GB sizes
- Reformat occasionally to clear any latent corruption
- Offload and backup content regularly before reformatting
- Replace cards that become unreliable or damaged
GoPro SD Card FAQs
Does GoPro require FAT32 or exFAT?
GoPro requires the FAT32 file system. exFAT is not supported.
Can I use NTFS for a GoPro SD card?
No, NTFS is not compatible with GoPro cameras. You must use FAT32.
What size GoPro SD card should I get?
64GB to 512GB is a good size range for GoPro SD cards. Lower capacity cards fill up too quickly. Higher capacities are overkill and expensive.
Do all GoPro models support FAT32 SD cards?
Yes, all GoPro models to date support FAT32 SD cards. Even the latest GoPro HERO11 Black works with FAT32.
Can I format a GoPro SD card on my computer?
Yes, you can format to FAT32 on a computer using the format tool (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac). But it’s best to format in the GoPro camera.
How often should I reformat my GoPro SD card?
It’s a good idea to reformat your GoPro SD card every month or two of use, especially if you notice any performance issues or glitches.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, GoPro SD cards should always be formatted as FAT32 file system. FAT32 is optimized for performance with GoPro cameras and offers excellent cross-device compatibility. While NTFS works great for Windows PCs, it’s not compatible with GoPro cameras. To ensure maximum performance and reliability, reformat your GoPro SD cards to FAT32 on a regular basis.